Former member of the House of Representatives for Vandeikya/Konshisha constituency and governorship aspirant on the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (African Democratic Congress), Herman Hembe, has emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary election.

In a keenly contested race involving three aspirants, Hembe scored 46,526 votes, while Peter Adejo polled 31,990 votes to come second. Joseph Wayas placed third with 26,919 votes.

The Returning Officer of the party, Victor Tukura, who announced the results at the party secretariat in Makurdi, commended members for their peaceful conduct and full participation, which led to the successful conduct of the primaries.

Tukura described the exercise as peaceful and violence-free, expressing confidence that the party’s candidate would triumph in the general election.

Reacting to the outcome, Hembe thanked the party leadership led by its chairman, Senator Emmanuel Yisa Orker Jev, for their efforts in ensuring his victory at the primaries.

He said, “The ADC is a party on a mission. I am excited about the primaries and grateful to all those who supported me to emerge winner. I assure those who nominated me that I will not let them down.”

He said his agenda for the state includes bringing peace to Benue communities, guaranteeing autonomy for local government areas, promoting transparency in governance, and running an administration that benefits the people rather than a few individuals.

On the rising insecurity in the state, the ADC governorship candidate said, “When we get into office, the first thing on our agenda will be returning our people who have been displaced to their ancestral homes.”